Crushed Affections

Bella felt a bit resistant as she could already guess what Dominic was going to say.

Seeing that she didn't answer the phone for a while, Lia couldn't help but tease, "Are you afraid he's going to eat you alive? I bet they haven't finished eating yet, and he's probably just calling to scare you a little. If I had known we'd run into him at the restaurant, I wouldn't have invited Felix." Bella rolled her eyes. "And you had the nerve to say that? You didn't even tell me we were meeting Felix beforehand. We could've gone to a different restaurant... Somewhere he wouldn't go. It's not like what we're doing is scandalous, but he's just so petty." Lia clucked her tongue. "Right? He's so petty that he doesn't even let his ex go. Just answer the call... Look at how desperately he's trying to reach you."

Sighing, Bella finally pressed the answer button. As soon as the call connected, Dominic's frustrated voice came through.

"The minute I get busy, you sneak off to meet Felix? Who gave you the audacity? You dare have secret meetings right under my nose? Are you looking for trouble? It took you so long to answer... I thought you were afraid he'd hear you. Just wait, Bella!"

Lia overheard everything, and before she could stifle her laughter, Bella hung up the phone. She figured if Dominic said anything else inappropriate, she would die of embarrassment in front of Lia.Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

With her mood soured, Bella said her goodbyes to Lia and headed back to her apartment alone.

To prevent Dominic from barging in uninvited, she latched the bolt on the door to lock it, at least giving herself some time to react if he showed up.

By 11:00 pm, there was still no sign of him. Bella thought he was all talk and no action, so she felt safe enough to go to bed.

The next morning, she was jolted awake by a loud ringing at the door. It was only 7:00 am. Still groggy and a bit grumpy, she opened the door. Her first instinct was to slam it shut when she saw Dominic. However, he was quicker and pushed the door open, shoving her against the nearby cabinet.

At that moment, she finally

understood why Felix had always warned her to check the peephole before opening the door as there really could be danger outside...

en

BUMS

Dominic's breath brushed against her ear. "You locked the door? Huh?"

Bella found herself at a loss for words. She could feel the cold morning air clinging to him. "How long have you been here?"

Gritting his teeth, he replied, "Not

long... Probably ten minutes. I just finished up and rushed over. Were you afraid I wouldn't have time to deal with you? Not only did you sneak off to meet Felix behind my back, but you also locked the door? You think I'm a softy?"

Bella felt trapped under his weight, discomfort settling in. "Can you just let go for a second? Let's talk this out. Lia invited Felix, and I had no idea

ne would show up. Beside

what's wrong with having a

ngeal?

Don't you think you're... being a bit overbearing?"

The last part of her sentence came out so quietly it was almost a whisper, yet it only fueled his irritation.

His hand deftly slipped under her nightgown, moving toward her chest.

As she tried to stop him, he seized her wrists, holding them firmly. The force of his grip made her fair wrists turn a visible shade of red.

She couldn't handle the morning surprise, feeling a mix of indignation and sadness. "Do I not even have a bit of personal freedom..."

Hearing the frustration and vulnerability in her voice, Dominic eased his grip slightly. Seizing the opportunity, she attempted to push him away. However, he forcefully carried her up and walked toward the bedroom.

The soft bed sank deeply beneath them, resembling a cage that bound Bella. Dominic kept kissing her, leaving hickeys on her delicate skin.